Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
differ in length from
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "differ in length from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the lengths of two or more items, indicating that they are not the same length. Example: "The two ropes differ in length from each other, with one being significantly longer than the other."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
IRES elements, identified both in viral and cellular eukaryotic mRNAs, differ in length (from 130 bp to 1 kb).
Science
Moreover, both paired regions in the new motif differ in length from those in the SAM-II consensus, and the loop regions outside those that bind the ligand in the SAM-II riboswitch are not well conserved.
Science
Each LDR reaction contained the amplified template DNA, thermostable Taq DNA ligase, a 5-carboxyfluorescein (FAM -labeled "common" oligonucleotide, and one or more unlabeled "discriminating" oligonucleotides that diFAM -labeledth from eacommoner by at least three nucleoligonucleotide enhande electroneoretic separation of the ligation products.
Science
c) ToxoDB genes predicted in PASA to have either different transcription start sites or novel 5' exons: This group includes transcripts which even though they have ORFs that are identical in sequence to the protein of the ToxoDB gene they overlap, the ORFs differ in length from the ToxoDB protein.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
The efficiency of this proposed approach was verified by the examination of more than 100 real problems with initial data containing up to 15 nonstandard connectivities differing in length from the standard correlations by 1 3 bonds.
Science
It is noteworthy that intron sequences in both TAR clones differed in length from the intron sequence of the annotated genes.
Science
Moreover, when the UBQ domain is present, it often differs in length from that of the canonical sequence.
All genes that differed in length from the Buchnera APS models by >10%, together with any gene models that were interrupted by premature stop codons, were manually curated.
Science
Umbilical cords of fetuses in breech presentation differ in length and coiling from their cephalic counterparts and it might be hypothesised that these cord characteristics may in turn affect ECV outcome.
Science
Migraine attacks may also differ in length and frequency, usually lasting from 4 to 72 hours.
The remaining introns differ in length, however, intron 2 and 3 from Ssa-NILT1 and Ssa-NILT2 also revealed a high percentage of identity (>95%).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When comparing multiple items, ensure clarity by specifying the items being compared using "differ in length from". For example, "The three ropes differ in length from each other."
Common error
Avoid using "than" instead of "from" when using the phrase. "Differ in length than" is grammatically incorrect; the correct usage is "differ in length from".
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "differ in length from" serves as a comparative descriptor. It highlights a contrast in the physical dimension of length between two or more entities. Ludwig AI shows various scientific examples of this usage.
Frequent in
Science
75%
News & Media
13%
Encyclopedias
4%
Less common in
Wiki
4%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "differ in length from" is a grammatically sound and acceptable construction used to express a disparity in the linear dimension of two or more items. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from scientific and formal sources. While alternatives like ""vary in length"" and ""have different lengths"" exist, "differ in length from" maintains a level of precision often required in technical or comparative writing. It's important to avoid the common error of substituting "than" for "from" in this phrase. Its prevalence in scientific literature suggests a formal register, making it appropriate for academic and professional contexts.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
vary in length from
Emphasizes the variation in length rather than a direct comparison, focusing on the range of lengths.
present variations in length from
Similar to "vary in length from" but emphasizes that the variations are being presented or observed.
have different lengths compared to
Specifies that the lengths are not the same when compared to each other.
are of dissimilar length to
Directly states that the lengths are not similar.
are not uniform in length with
Emphasizes the lack of uniformity in length across multiple items.
exhibit length differences relative to
More formal and scientific, highlighting the presence of differences in length.
display a divergence in length from
Indicates that the lengths are moving apart or becoming increasingly different.
show a length discrepancy with
Highlights an inconsistency or unexpected difference in length.
demonstrate length inequality with
Formally states that the lengths are not equal.
lack length parity with
More technical, suggesting a lack of equality in length.
FAQs
How can I use "differ in length from" in a sentence?
You can use "differ in length from" to compare the sizes of two or more objects. For example, "The two ropes "differ in length from" each other."
What is a simpler way to say "differ in length from"?
Alternatives include "vary in length", "have different lengths", or "are not the same length as".
Is it correct to say "differ in length than"?
No, the correct phrase is ""differ in length from"". Using "than" is a common grammatical error.
What contexts is "differ in length from" most appropriate for?
"Differ in length from" is suitable for scientific, technical, and formal contexts where precise comparisons are necessary. Simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal writing.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested